Bullet stuck into a ball and rotates it

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a ball and a bullet, focusing on the calculation of the angular velocity after a bullet embeds itself in the ball. Key concepts include the moment of inertia of the ball, given by I = (2/5)MR², and the conservation of angular momentum, expressed as mvR = (M+m)ωR². Participants clarify the correct application of the moment of inertia in the context of the collision and angular velocity calculation. There is some confusion regarding the ball's orientation and whether it is rolling or stationary post-collision. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly applying physics principles to solve the problem.
Karol
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Homework Statement


A ball of mass M and radius R can rotate round an axis through it's center. a bullet of mass m travels with speed v, hits the ball near the surface and gets stuck in it.
What's their angular velocity after the collision.

Homework Equations


Moment of inertia of a ball round it's axis: ##I=\frac{2}{5}MR^2##
Conservation of angular momentum: ##mvR+MVR=0##

The Attempt at a Solution


Conservation of angular momentum:
$$mvR=(M+m)\omega R^2\Rightarrow \omega=\frac{mv}{(m+M)R}$$
 

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Karol said:
Moment of inertia of a ball round it's axis: I=25MR2

Why didn't you use the ball's moment of inertia?
 
$$mvR=\left( \frac{2}{5}MR^2+mR^2 \right)\omega\Rightarrow \omega=\frac{mv}{R\left( \frac{2}{5}M+m \right)}$$
 
To understand it correctly: Does the statement imply that the ball is turning around an axis or is it lying on the ground and rolls away after getting hit by the bullet?
 
Sorry, ignore this post (wrong thread)
 
Last edited:
Karol said:
A ball of mass M and radius R can rotate round an axis through it's center. a bullet of mass m travels with speed v, hits the ball near the surface
I'm struggling to picture how it could have hit it anywhere except near the surface.
(It's ok, I understand what they were trying to say.)
 
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